Paul Clement hasn’t set the Madejski Stadium ablaze since his Reading appointment.

The former Derby man only won two of his first eight games in charge and was unable to reverse the fortunes that beset his side after the departure of Jaap Staam.

It could be argued that it was not Clement’s side but, having said that, a worker can only use what tools they have provided to them. 

Once assistant at Paris Saint German, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Clement is a student of the game, having worked closely with top level footballers.

You would expect him to be able to get the best out of Championship players who are of a lower standard than those of their Galacticos and European superpower counterparts.

But the evidence to suggest that Clement will spur Reading onto great things in the 2018-19 season is yet to surface.

Having lost only one of 19 games at Derby before being sacked after one win in seven, the fragility of the Championship may have taken its toll on the Biscuitmen’s boss. 

Opting to play a more conservative, safe style of football.

That was last season, however, and Clement will be able to have the luxury of a full pre-season to aid the implementation of his style of play.

Add to that a transfer window, too, that will allow him to bring in the personnel he feels will be more an adequate to fill the gaps in the system he ultimately deploys come August.

Clement may not have recovered fully from the sacking at Derby but one would feel that come the start of pre-season and having guided Reading to Championship safety last time out, he should be.

Reading and Clement will be hoping his tactical nouse, and hopefully an improved style of play - add in the mix a pretty comfortable budget - and the Royals will be hopefully crowning a good start to the season. 

On paper Clement is one of the more experienced coaches in the Championship, you don't get to be assistant manager to some of the elite clubs in world football if you aren't good enough.

But Reading fans will be hoping to see the Clement that had influence at the likes of Madrid and Munich.

The football needs to improve, as well as the results; or there could be more upheaval in Berkshire next season.